Saturday marked the season opener for the Whelen Southern Modified Tour at Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, NC. Brian Loftin, driver of the #23 L&R Transmission/QMF Solutions Chevrolet, qualified third in a field of 26 drivers for the WSMT 150. After the redraw between the top eight drivers Loftin started 5th.

“The crew worked hard getting the car ready for the first race,” said Loftin. “They have put together a winning car.”

Loftin ran conservatively throughout the majority of the race, making sure to save the tires for the end. Once Loftin hit lap 100 he started to make his move through the field. He was able to gain two positions to finish third behind LW Miller and Ted Christopher.

“We definitely had a better car on the long runs,” said Loftin. “However we could not get past five laps without a caution once we really started to make our move. Timing was definitely an issue, but we will get our rhythm this weekend and show them what we got.”

Brian Loftin Racing is planning on running the entire WSMT in 2008. After a strong 12th place finish in 2007, despite not running the full season, Loftin will be contending for the championship. Loftin had 9 starts, 3 poles, 2 wins, 4 top five and 8 top ten finishes.

BLR would like to thank the guys at Adam’s Towing for helping ensure that the car was able to make it to the track to race on Saturday.

Loftin is currently sponsored by L&R Transmissions and QMF Solutions. The next race is Saturday, March 29 at Southern National Raceway Park, in Kenly, NC.